Barcelona is a city that surprises many with its variety of water activities, and scuba diving is no exception. While the city is famous for its architecture and lively neighborhoods, beneath the surface lies a fascinating underwater world that’s surprisingly accessible. From beginner-friendly courses to full-day explorations of Costa Brava’s marine life, there’s something for every diver — novice or experienced. We’ve tested and reviewed six top options, including the popular Barcelona: PADI Discover Scuba Diving and the intimate, adventure-packed Costa Brava: Scuba Diving Tour, Lunch and a Visit to Tossa de Mar. Whether you want a quick intro or a certification course, Barcelona’s waters won’t disappoint.
If you’re looking for a safe, beginner-friendly experience, the PADI Discover Scuba Diving session is a solid choice, offering a relaxed environment and great reviews. For those willing to venture further afield, the full-day Costa Brava trip combines underwater exploration with scenic coastal towns. Meanwhile, the Discover PADI Diving in Barcelona provides a small-group experience for those who want personalized attention. And if you’re an absolute novice, the Scuba Diving Initiation offers a guided, no-fuss introduction straight from the city beach. Finally, for certified divers, the Private Tour Costa Brava Scuba Diving and Lunch promises a luxurious and tailored day. Read on for detailed insights into each experience and find the best fit for your underwater ambitions.
1. Barcelona: PADI Discover Scuba Diving
At number one, the Barcelona: PADI Discover Scuba Diving ranks highly with a 4.7/5 rating from over 800 reviews. This experience is perfect if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater but aren’t ready for full certification. The session lasts around two hours and is held in a controlled, safe environment with an experienced instructor guiding you through the basics. You’ll learn how to use diving equipment and get a taste of the underwater world right off the coast of Catalonia. Participants often highlight how supportive the guides are, making beginners feel at ease — one reviewer mentioned feeling “super safe the entire experience.” The highlight? Observing underwater life in a natural habitat while taking home videos and photos to share later. This tour is ideal for those who want a straightforward introduction without a long commitment or certification requirement, and the low price point of $74 makes it accessible.
Bottom Line: This beginner-friendly dive offers a safe, fun introduction to underwater exploration, perfect if you’re nervous but curious about diving.
2. Costa Brava: Scuba Diving Tour, Lunch and a Visit to Tossa de Mar
Number two on our list is the Costa Brava: Scuba Diving Tour, Lunch and a Visit to Tossa de Mar, which earns a perfect 5.0/5 from 38 reviews. This full-day adventure is perfect for those who want to combine underwater exploration with sightseeing and local cuisine. Led by a PADI-certified guide, you’ll get a chance to dive in the clear waters of the Mediterranean, with instruction provided for beginners — no prior experience needed. The trip’s unique charm lies in its combination of land-and-sea activities, including a tranquil lunch overlooking the beach and a stroll through the medieval streets of Tossa de Mar. Only limited to eight travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience, the trip offers hassle-free round-trip transfers from Barcelona, making it a no-stress day trip.
Reviewers rave about how this tour makes them feel like “they’ve truly experienced Spain,” not just the city. The day is packed with beautiful scenery, marine life, and cultural exploration, making it ideal for active travelers who want variety.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive day that mixes diving, cultural sights, and regional food — perfect for those who want a full Mediterranean experience.
3. Discover PADI Diving in Barcelona
In third place, the Discover PADI Diving in Barcelona offers a small-group experience with a maximum of six participants. Priced at around $77, this tour emphasizes personalized attention, with a focus on beginners eager to learn the basics of scuba diving and explore the city’s unique underwater environment. The activity lasts roughly two hours and includes all necessary equipment, plus souvenir videos to remember your dive. Many reviewers point out how friendly and knowledgeable the instructors are, with one noting, “Hugo was so encouraging and made me feel confident underwater.” The small group size ensures each participant gets plenty of guidance, making this an excellent choice for first-timers or those who want a more tailored experience.
This tour is especially appealing if you’re interested in a quick yet immersive intro to diving, with the added bonus of a personal touch that larger tours may lack.
Bottom Line: Ideal for beginners who want a relaxed, small-group dive experience with memorable keepsakes included.
4. BARCELONA: SCUBA DIVING INITIATION – Dive in and experience underwater adventures
Number four is the Barcelona: Scuba Diving Initiation, which offers a 2.5-hour beginner session for $112. This tour is centered around exploring the seabed directly from the city beach, with no boat needed. Starting at the Barcelona Diving Club, you’ll receive a safety briefing before heading into the water at the Olympic Port, where you’ll learn about marine life and the fundamentals of diving with certified instructors. The small-group format, combined with easy access and convenient amenities such as parking and a restaurant, makes this a very practical choice. Reviewers mention how relaxed the experience is, emphasizing the “professional, attentive instructors” and the ability to connect with the sea directly in the heart of Barcelona.
This experience is perfect if you want a quick, guided introduction with all equipment provided, and you’re comfortable with a slightly longer session than the typical 2-hour intro.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, city-based introduction to diving that delivers a memorable undersea adventure without leaving Barcelona.
5. Barcelona: PADI Scuba Diver Course Certification Training
Number five is the PADI Scuba Diver Course Certification in Barcelona. This full-day course, priced at $300, is perfect if you’re ready to earn your professional certification. Over the course of one day, you’ll learn the essential skills of diving from experienced PADI instructors and complete three dives that culminate in certification. The course is designed to be immersive and hands-on, giving you the confidence to dive independently in the future. Reviews are positive, with one stating, “We had the best experience with iDive and highly recommend it.” This option suits travelers who want a tangible goal — a certificate that opens up diving around the world.
While it requires a larger time commitment and a higher price, the payoff is significant: you’ll leave with professional credentials and the skills to explore marine environments widely.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice if you want to take your diving to the next level and gain a recognized certification during your stay.
6. Barcelona: Private Tour Costa Brava Scuba Diving and Lunch
Rounding out our list is the Private Tour Costa Brava Scuba Diving and Lunch. With a 4.4/5 rating, this full-day experience offers a luxurious, personalized approach for $340 per person. The itinerary includes diving in Aiguablava’s clear waters, where you can explore marine life and even historical remains beneath the waves. After diving, there’s time to relax in stunning coves with spectacular views. The day ends with a delicious regional lunch at a seaside restaurant, combining culinary delights with underwater adventure.
This tour is best suited for travelers who want privacy, tailored experiences, and a combination of marine exploration with scenic relaxation. Reviewers appreciate the smooth organization and the quality of the experience, emphasizing how the guide ensures every part of the day is unforgettable.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups seeking a private, all-inclusive day of diving and scenic coastlines.
$340 per person
How to Choose the Right Scuba Experience in Barcelona
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time availability, and interest level. If you’re new to diving, the Discover Scuba Diving or Scuba Diving Initiation are excellent entry points, with low prices and supportive guides. For those eager to get certified, the PADI Scuba Diver Course offers a full-day course with lasting benefits.
If you want a full day of combined sightseeing and diving, the Costa Brava tour is unbeatable, especially for active travelers. For a more personalized and luxurious experience, the Private Costa Brava tour fits couples or small groups.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours during peak seasons, so plan ahead to secure your preferred dates.
Final Thoughts
Barcelona offers a surprising variety of scuba diving experiences suited for beginners, certified divers, and those looking for a luxury day out. Whether you want a quick introduction in the city, a full-day coastal adventure, or certification for future travels, you’ll find options that match your interests and comfort level. Two standout choices are the Discover Scuba Diving for its affordability and ease, and the Costa Brava trip for its combination of underwater fun and scenic sightseeing. Remember to book early, pack your enthusiasm, and prepare to see Barcelona from a whole new perspective beneath the waves.